Which risk factor would the nurse discuss when educating a patient with age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?

Smoking is a significant risk factor for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) due to its detrimental effects on vascular health and oxidative stress. Research has indicated that smoking can increase the likelihood of developing AMD and can also exacerbate the progression of the disease in individuals who are already affected. The chemicals in cigarette smoke can damage retinal blood vessels and lead to increased formation of harmful substances that contribute to retinal degeneration.

Understanding this connection is crucial for patients with AMD, as lifestyle modifications—like quitting smoking—can potentially reduce their risk of further vision loss. Unlike smoking, the other mentioned risk factors—alcohol use, hypotension, and being underweight—are either not as strongly linked to the development of AMD or do not have the same degree of compelling evidence supporting a direct relationship with the disease. Thus, smoking stands out as a key focus point in patient education regarding AMD risk factors.